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About the Jewish Learning Institute

About the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI)

Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg is a community-based not-for-profit organization, dedicated to providing a Jewish experience for every man, woman or youngster who walks through its doors, regardless of background, affiliation, or level of commitment.

Motivated by a profound love for every Jew and spurred by a boundless optimism, Chabad-Lubavitch touches and enriches the lives of young and old, professionals and laypeople, the affiliated and the non-affiliated, immigrants and long-time citizens.

JLI, the adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch and a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, was created in 2008 to address the growing need for in-depth Jewish knowledge. The Jewish Learning Institute aims to change the way people feel about being Jewish through learning and discovery.

JLI’s holistic approach to Jewish study considers the impact of Jewish values on personal and interpersonal growth. Drawing on research-based instructional design and cutting-edge approaches to adult learning, JLI's innovative presentation of traditional Judaism is designed to be both intellectually rigorous and highly accessible, making the lessons entertaining and relevant to the modern-day Jew.

Chabad's JLI chapter was created with the objective of developing and coordinating adult education, as well as facilitating young couples’ social programming. By introducing a kaleidoscope of innovative programs, both social and educational, we hope to build, educate, engage, and energize a young and vibrant Jewish community. JLI's refreshing approach brings authentic, relevant Jewish learning to adults seeking intellectual and spiritual growth.

JLI's lessons probe the depths of contemporary Jewish thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons – from the most timeless of texts, teaching basic Jewish literacy as well as an understanding of cardinal Jewish beliefs and observances.

JLI currently offers a full range of learning opportunities, including: three flagship courses, accompanied by dynamic textbooks and dramatic audio-visual presentations; a compelling Lecture Series, bringing the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes; a bi-weekly Lunch and Learn study group in downtown Winnipeg; monthly Community Shabbat Dinners and similar cultural events that seek to instill an appreciation for Jewish culture and heritage; the Winnipeg Summer Yeshiva, offering one-on-one study sessions or small group discussions with scholars in residence; and a sisterhood, dedicated to inspiring and empowering Jewish women through monthly cultural learning experiences.

Over the past three years, Chabad-Lubavitch has had tremendous success in building a reputable, cutting-edge and highly professional instititue, attracting a very large and diverse group of people, including many unaffiliated Jews.

Importantly, all JLI programs are designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI classes are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of worship.